Incident Overview
Approximately 20 minutes into the flight, the pilot observed that the fuel gauges indicated a low fuel quantity. He decided to conduct a precautionary landing at the nearest airport.
Approach and Landing
The pilot reported that his approach was high and fast, resulting in a long landing on the runway. Witnesses observed the airplane crossing the runway threshold with the landing gear in transit. The airplane touched down with the landing gear not fully extended, causing the main gear to collapse. The aircraft subsequently slid off the runway.
Post-Accident Examination
After the accident, 42 gallons of fuel were drained from the airplane. An examination of the landing gear system found no evidence of a malfunction. The airplane's normal procedure checklist instructs the pilot to check and observe that the main gear is down and that the green gear down indicator light is illuminated.